What foods should arthritis patients avoid?

A:

Quick Answer

Meat, poultry, dairy products, corn, nuts, eggs and citrus fruits are among the foods arthritis patients should avoid, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Grains, such as wheat, oats and rye, as well as potatoes, tomatoes and coffee are other foods on the list.

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Certain foods seem to trigger the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis in particular, reports the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Studies indicate that the protein in dairy products is a major factor in causing rheumatoid arthritis pain and inflammation.

Arthritis patients should avoid foods that contain sugar and gluten as they can cause inflammation, states Everyday Health. Processed foods are often loaded with ingredients that cause inflammation, and excessive intake of alcohol also has inflammatory effects.

A vegan diet often brings about marked improvement in rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, notes the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. In addition to removing many inflammation triggers from the diet, a vegan diet drastically reduces fat consumption. As a result, patients often lose weight, which is helpful in symptom reduction. A vegan diet is rich in vegetables that contain antioxidants, which can help neutralize free radicals that are theorized to play a role in inflammation.

Cooking with spices, such as ginger and turmeric, can help reduce inflammation as well, notes Prevention. There is also evidence that adding omega-3 fatty acids to the diet provides an anti-inflammatory effect.